WASHINGTON – A recent study has revealed that approximately two-thirds of animal and plant species are experiencing a decrease in genetic diversity, making it increasingly difficult for them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This research was published on Wednesday and highlights the concerning trends affecting biodiversity.

Long before any species faces extinction, it often undergoes a process of population decline and fragmentation. This results in fewer potential mates, leading to reduced genetic mixing. As genetic diversity diminishes, these populations become more susceptible to threats such as disease outbreaks.

Co-author Catherine Grueber, a conservation biologist from the University of Sydney, remarked on a surprising aspect of the findings: genetic diversity is declining even among species that are not currently considered at risk.

The study involved the analysis of data from 628 species observed over the course of 34 years, from 1985 to 2019, with birds and mammals showing the most significant reductions in genetic variation.

While not part of the study, David Nogués-Bravo from the University of Copenhagen emphasized the importance of genetic diversity. He noted that having a variety of genetic traits allows species to better cope with changes in their environment. For example, if a new disease emerges or shifts in climate affect seasonal weather patterns, some individuals may have genetic advantages that improve their chances of survival. Greater genetic diversity enhances the likelihood that a species will endure in the face of challenges.

Conservation strategies aimed at connecting isolated populations can play a crucial role in maintaining or even rejuvenating genetic diversity. An illustrative example can be found with the Florida panther, which is an endangered species that has faced significant habitat loss due to urban development and highways.

By the mid-1990s, the small population of Florida panthers exhibited signs of inbreeding, such as deformities like kinked tails and diminished sperm counts in males. To combat this decline, wildlife biologists introduced eight female panthers from Texas to the Florida population. Two decades later, the number of panthers in the wild has significantly increased, alongside an improvement in genetic diversity.

Stuart Pimm, an ecologist at Duke University who was not involved in the study, underscored the disadvantages faced by isolated populations, stating, “The solution is to reconnect them.” His insight reiterates the importance of fostering genetic diversity through innovative conservation efforts.